The UK's most complete GLP-1 guide
Every Question Answered. Every Side Effect Explained.
- How GLP-1 medications work
- Mounjaro vs Wegovy compared
- Injection instructions
- Side effects & solutions
- What to eat on treatment
- FAQs answered
Free tracker included with every download this week
Weight Loss During Menopause — UK Medication Options
Weight gain during menopause is common and challenging — but prescription weight management options are now available in the UK for eligible adults. Hormonal changes, reduced metabolism, and shifts in fat distribution make weight loss harder during this life stage. If you've tried diet and exercise without success, your GP can assess whether prescription medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy might help. This guide explains the UK-licensed options, eligibility criteria, and how to access support through the NHS or private prescribing.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
Calculate Your BMI Instantly
Enter your height and weight below. Supports both imperial (stone & lbs) and metric (kg). Results include NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity adjustments.
What Is BMI and Why Does It Matter?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most widely used screening tool for assessing whether your weight falls within a healthy range. Used by the NHS, GPs, and weight management services across the UK, BMI provides a quick snapshot of your weight relative to your height. The formula is simple: your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared (kg/m²).
While BMI isn't a perfect measure — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution — it remains the standard first step in identifying potential weight-related health risks including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
The NHS also recommends adjusted thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, or Black African heritage — a BMI of 23 or above is classified as overweight, and 27.5 as obese. Our calculator includes this adjustment as a one-click toggle.
UK Prescription Weight Loss Medications Available
Three GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist medications are currently licensed in the UK for weight management: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). All work by regulating appetite and supporting feeling fuller after meals — potentially helpful during menopause when hunger hormones often shift.
Mounjaro (dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist) is given as a once-weekly injection at doses from 2.5 mg to 15 mg. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight over 72 weeks alongside diet and activity changes. Wegovy (GLP-1 agonist only) is also once-weekly, with doses from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg, with average weight loss of around 15% in trials. Saxenda is a daily injection option.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring a clinical assessment. Your GP or a licensed prescriber will evaluate whether you meet eligibility criteria and whether one of these medications is appropriate for your individual health profile.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
No appointments. No waiting rooms. Just care — from a UK-regulated online pharmacy.
How It Works
Three simple steps to understand your weight and take action.
Enter your height and weight in our free calculator. Get your BMI, NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity-adjusted thresholds instantly.
If your BMI suggests you're overweight or obese, explore our GLP-1 calculators to project potential weight loss on Mounjaro or Wegovy.
Use our progress tracker to log your weight weekly, visualise your journey with charts, and stay motivated — all stored privately in your browser.
Free Weight Loss Tools & Guides
Everything you need to understand your weight, explore medication options, and track your progress — completely free.
NHS Eligibility and How to Access Support
In the UK, you may be eligible for prescription weight management treatment if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea — conditions that often coincide with menopause.
NHS access: Specialist tier 3 weight management services can prescribe these medications following referral from your GP. Availability varies by region and waiting times can be significant.
Private access: Available through GPhC-registered online prescribing services following a clinical consultation. This route does not require NHS referral. Check your BMI using the free BMI calculator on this page, then discuss your options with your GP or explore private prescribing services. You can also use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results at different doses if you proceed with medication.
Track your progress with our free progress tracker once you begin any weight management programme — whether medication, diet, activity changes, or a combination. Recording weekly weight and how you feel can help motivate long-term success and shows your prescriber how well a medication is working for you.
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 22.5% body weight loss (SURMOUNT-1)
- Weekly injection, dose escalation over 20+ weeks
- Available via private prescription in the UK
- Doses: 2.5mg → 5mg → 7.5mg → 10mg → 12.5mg → 15mg
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 15–17% body weight loss (STEP trials)
- Weekly injection, 5-step dose escalation
- NHS & private prescription available
- Doses: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Head-to-Head
A side-by-side comparison of the two most popular GLP-1 weight loss medications available in the UK.
| Feature | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist | GLP-1 agonist |
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| Avg. weight loss | 15–22.5% | 12–17% |
| Key trial | SURMOUNT-1 (2022) | STEP 1 (2021) |
| Max dose | 15 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Escalation period | 20–32 weeks | 16–20 weeks |
| Administration | Weekly injection (pen) | Weekly injection (pen) |
| NHS availability | Private prescription only | NHS & private |
| Approx. private cost | £150–£250/month | £150–£300/month |
| Common side effects | Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea |
Data sourced from SURMOUNT-1 and STEP 1 clinical trials. Costs are approximate and vary by provider. Always consult a prescriber.
Am I Eligible for Weight Loss Medication?
In the UK, eligibility for GLP-1 weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy is based on your BMI and overall health profile.
- BMI of 30 or above (obese)
- Age 18 or over
- No contraindicated conditions
- Committed to lifestyle changes
- BMI of 27 or above
- Plus type 2 diabetes
- Or high blood pressure
- Or obstructive sleep apnoea
Use our BMI calculator to check whether your BMI falls within the eligible range.
How We Built These Tools
Every calculator and guide on myweightcheck is built with accuracy and transparency in mind. Our BMI calculator uses the standard WHO formula with NHS-aligned category thresholds. Our GLP-1 projections are modelled on published clinical trial data from SURMOUNT and STEP studies.
All data stays on your device. We don't require sign-ups, and we don't store your health information on any server. Your progress tracker saves data locally in your browser using localStorage, so only you can see it.
We're based in the UK and our tools are designed specifically for UK users — supporting stone & lbs by default, referencing NHS guidelines, using NICE-approved medication data, and linking to GPhC-registered pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BMI, weight loss medications, and our free UK tools.
Does menopause make weight loss harder?
Yes. Menopause involves significant hormonal changes that lower metabolism, increase hunger signals, and shift how the body stores fat — typically around the abdomen. Even with diet and exercise, many women find weight loss more difficult during this life stage. Prescription weight management medications can provide additional support if eligible.
Am I eligible for weight loss medication during menopause?
You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition (high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea). Menopausal women with cardiovascular risk factors often meet these criteria. Your GP can assess your individual eligibility and refer you to specialist services if appropriate.
How do I access prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
Ask your GP for a referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service in your area. They will conduct a full assessment and, if appropriate, prescribe Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Saxenda. NHS access is free but availability and waiting times vary significantly by region (ICB).
What if I don't want to wait for NHS services?
Private online prescribing services in the UK can assess you and issue a prescription without NHS referral. You'll have a clinical consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber and, if approved, collect your prescription from a GPhC-registered pharmacy. This is typically faster but involves private costs (usually £129–£320+ per month depending on dose).
Can I switch between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Both are licensed weight management options, but switching requires prescriber guidance. Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 medication (possibly more potent), while Wegovy is GLP-1 only. Your prescriber will advise which is more suitable for you. Never switch medications without professional support.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
Start with a free BMI check, explore your GLP-1 options, or begin tracking your progress today. No sign-up. No cost. Just results.